Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Generic Name: Amoxicillin
Brand Name: Amoxil
(a mox i sil' in)

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Why is amoxicillin prescribed?How should amoxicillin be used properly?What are the common uses for amoxicillin?What special precautions should I follow when using amoxicillin?What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking amoxicillin? What should I do if I forget a dose of amoxicillin?What side effects can amoxicillin cause?What storage conditions are needed for amoxicillin?What do I do in case of emergency or an amoxicillin overdose?What other information should I know about amoxicillin?

Why is amoxicillin prescribed?

Amoxil (Amoxicillin) is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori.

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How should amoxicillin be used properly?

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, a suspension (liquid), and pediatric drops to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day) with or without food. To help you remember to take amoxicillin, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amoxicillin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid and pediatric drops well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops. The pediatric drops and liquid may be placed on a child's tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or other cold liquid and taken immediately.

The chewable tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. The tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.

Take amoxicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping amoxicillin too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

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What are the common uses for amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin also is used sometimes to prevent anthrax infection after exposure and to treat anthrax infection of the skin and chlamydia infections during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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What special precautions should I follow when using accutane?

Before taking amoxicillin,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: chloramphenicol (Chlormycetin), other antibiotics, and probenecid (Benemid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives, or phenylketonuria.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin, call your doctor.

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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking amoxicillin?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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What should I do if I forget a dose of amoxicillin?

You should take the missed dose of amoxicillin just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless,  it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.

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What side effects can amoxicillin cause?

Amoxicillin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting  

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • excessive tiredness
  • severe skin rash
  • lack of energy
  • pale skin
  • seizures
  • hives 

Amoxicillin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

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What storage conditions are needed for amoxicillin?

Always keep the amoxicillin in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom. 

The liquid medication should be kept in the refrigerator preferably, but it can be stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Do not freeze your medication.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

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What do I do in case of emergency or an amoxicillin overdose?

In case of an amoxicillin overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.

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What other information should I know about amoxicillin?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amoxicillin.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the amoxicillin, call your doctor.

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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.

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